ADERHOLT RE-ELECTED VICE-CHAIRMAN OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS PANEL

OSLO, Norway--CongressmanRobert B. Aderholt (R-AL) won reelection as Vice Chair of the General Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions today during the 19th Annual Session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) in Oslo, Norway.

“I am honored that my fellow international parliamentarians have elected me to a second term as vice chair of this important human rights committee,” said Congressman Aderholt, a member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission). “I look forward to continuing to promote causes of individual liberties and ethnic and religious tolerance through more active participation on the committee. From our international security challenges to the need for economic cooperation, the work of parliaments around the world would ring hollow without the needed attention on the human rights emphasized within this committee.”

As vice chair of the committee, Congressman Aderholt helps to set the agenda on democracy and human rights issues before the Parliamentary Assembly. The Assembly helps steer the policy direction of the OSCE in monitoring and encouraging the 56 participating states to comply with international commitments on security, economic and environmental issues and human rights.

“Congressman Aderholt’s election today is an endorsement from our international colleagues that active participation from the United States in the Parliamentary Assembly is not only welcome but valued by lawmakers across the OSCE region,” said Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the Helsinki Commission.

By winning his second one-year term on the panel, Aderholt ensured continued United States representation at the committee level of the Parliamentary Assembly. Senator Cardin is currently serving his second term as vice president of the body. Cardin’s term expires in July 2012.

Co-Chairman Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL), a former president of the Parliamentary Assembly, added: “Congressman Aderholt understands that international engagement is about more than showing up. It’s about truly building international friendships, fostering lasting dialogues and standing up to serve at the international level. I’m proud to see Congressman Aderholt carrying on a legacy of U.S. leadership at the Parliamentary Assembly.”